Chatham University

The Department of History, Political Science, and Global Policy offers degrees that can lead to exciting careers in law, government, policy, and history, here and abroad. As globalization proceeds, we will need to better understand the world around us, the dynamics of human society, and how culture and politics evolve over time.

By taking classes in subjects I loved, I was able to find my strengths, and apply them to other aspects of my life and career. I gained the confidence to know that if I step into a new career opportunity, even if it's something I've never done before, I can and will conquer the challenge of it." –Meigan

History (HIS)

The history program offers courses in American, European, and non–Western history. These courses provide students with a grounding in the many ways historians have made sense of the world. Understanding how diverse societies, economies, states, and cultures have changed and developed over time is crucial to evaluating and adapting to today’s ever-changing world. Throughout their course work, students learn to acquire, organize, analyze, and clearly communicate information – in other words, to think critically and write well. View more...

Global Focus

The Global Focus program at Chatham University engages our students in the purposeful study of peoples and civilizations. Our community of scholars promotes the acquisition of sustainable global competencies through the critical and holistic exploration of one specific country or region of the globe every year. The program concurrently reinforces cross-cultural ties and internationalization initiatives in the greater Pittsburgh area and beyond.

International Studies

The International Studies program seeks to prepare Chatham students to thrive in an increasingly globalized environment. The coursework balances in-depth learning in local cultures with the disciplinary study of the more general issues shaping relations among cultures and countries. Students explore both the interconnectedness of global processes and the impact of cultures on the way these processes are experienced. View more...

Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics

The Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics (PCWP) at Chatham University is a non–partisan center devoted to fostering women's public leadership through education, empowerment, and action. The first to focus on women's political involvement in Pennsylvania, the Center integrates disciplinary knowledge, civic education, and coalition building while examining the intersection of women and public policy. The Center conducts candidate and advocacy trainings, offers educational programs in applied politics, and provides timely analysis on women's issues. The Center is also home to the University's membership in Project Pericles – a select group of liberal arts colleges and universities that have made institutional commitments to promoting participatory citizenship and social responsibility.

***The department offers a certificate program from the PCWP*** View more...

Language Program for International Studies

The Modern Languages program at Chatham offers foreign language instruction through the intermediate level in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. These languages support the major in International Studies and the regional Certificate programs. View more...

Internships students in our majors have been placed:

Sustainable Pittsburgh

The U.S. State Department

Allegheny County District Attorney's Office

Carnegie Museum

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

Rivers of Steel

Allegheny County Bar Association

U.S. Congress

Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas

Fort Pitt Museum

Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania

National Park Service

Pittsburgh Regional Alliance

Pittsburgh City Council

Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors

National League of Cities

World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh

Political Science (POL)

The Political Science program offers courses in American Politics, International Politics, and Law-related subjects. The study of Political Science develops students' conceptual skills and provides them with the tools to analyze political concepts in broad perspective and make sense of new issues as they arise. In addition to knowledge of the subject, the program is designed to develop skills in critical thinking and written and oral expression, deepen commitment to social responsibility and political participation, and to position students to go on to graduate study and professional careers. View more...

Jobs students in our majors have received after graduation:

Policy Analyst

Intelligence Analyst

Lawyer

Political Representative

Policy Analyst

Intelligence Analyst

Political Representative

Diplomat

Lawyer

Foreign Service Officer

Lobbyist

Legislative Staff Member

Archivist

Historical Site Guide

Museum Curator

National Park

Living History Guide

Librarian

Teacher

Records Manager

Information Specialist

Cultural Resource Management

Foundation Staffer

Historic Preservation

Public Relations Staffer

Editor

Multimedia Producer

Policy Studies

Policy Studies is designed to introduce students to policy making in public or private domains. It provides an appropriate foundation for students interested in public service, either in elected office or in government agencies, as well as students interested in non-governmental policy organizations. It serves as a base for graduate work in public policy and law, as well as more traditional academic fields.

Pre-Law Program

Chatham's pre-law program is designed to encourage and support students with an interest in careers in law. It also helps students prepare to attend law school. The program includes the pre-law advisor, a pre-law minor, co-curricular programs offered in partnership with the PA Center for Women, Politics, and Public Policy, and the support of an advisory committee. View more...